Police log for Sunday, Dec. 24

Chimney fire destroys home near Whitetail

A family of four was standing outside their burning house in the 14000 block of Blairs Valley Road near Whitetail Ski Resort when firefighters arrived at the scene at about 3 a.m., Mercersburg Fire Chief Nick Barbuzanes said.

"They had tried to put the fire out themselves," he said. "It was fully involved when we got there."

The firefighters "knocked down the major heat," but the homeowners asked them to "let it go" because the damage was already great, Barbuzanes said.

He was unsure of the damage estimate, but said the two-story dwelling was a "total loss."

The fire apparently started in the chimney and spread to the walls, the chief said.

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No one was injured. The American Red Cross was called to help supply the family with clothes and vouchers, Barbuzanes said.

Firefighters remained on the scene until about 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Driver charged in truck accident

A tractor-trailer driver was charged with negligent driving Saturday after he lost control of his truck while turning onto Interstate 81 from Interstate 70 in Hagerstown, according to Maryland State Police in Hagerstown.

William Allen Baker, 60, of Limeport, Pa., was treated at Washington County Hospital and released, police said.

Baker was exiting eastbound I-70 to merge onto northbound I-81 at about 10 a.m. when he lost control of the 1996 Kenworth tractor-trailer, police said.

The truck struck and destroyed a guardrail before overturning down an embankment, police said.

Walkersville man faces drug charges

Zachary M. Drescher, 20, of the 100 block of Burlington Circle, was charged with possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, according to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.

Drescher was stopped on Discovery Boulevard at about 11:40 p.m. Friday for driving a car with only one headlight, police said.

The officer became suspicious while talking to the driver and requested a K-9 unit from the Sheriff's Office for a narcotics scan, police said.

A bag of suspected marijuana was allegedly found under a seat, according to police. Drescher's 1991 Nissan Sentra was impounded.

Police seek owner of injured dog

ST. THOMAS, Pa. - Pennsylvania State Police in Chambersburg are seeking the owner of a dog injured Friday near the St. Thomas/Hamilton Township border.

A 2-year-old male rottweiler was struck by a passing motorist on Jack Road at about 7:30 p.m., police said.

The dog was injured, but was taken to a local veterinarian and is in good condition, police said.

Anyone with information about the owner or possible owner of the animal should call Trooper Eric S. Mumau at 1-717-264-5161.